The Portuguese explorer Pedro da Cintra named it, Serra de Lećo meaning Lion Mountain in Portuguese because of its mountains shaped like lions forms.
Sierra Leone is also rich in minerals, possessing the most treasured minerals resources in the world including gold, bauxite, iron ore, retile. Sierra Leone is listed, as one of the top 10 diamonds producing countries worldwide but it most valued treasure are its people. A study by Charity Aid revealed in their World Giving Index 2010 that Sierra Leoneans are the most generous people in Africa. Well that’s not all…
Perhaps you intend to visit Sierra Leone for business or pleasure soon, AfricaNews reporter in Sierra Leone, Murtala Mohamed Kamara compiled a list of places that you may want to visit while in Sierra Leone.
The Cotton tree
The Cotton tree is the landmark of Sierra Leone. It is located in the ‘heart’ of Freetown, few meters to State House, the Office of the Presidency and also the National museum. Its exact age is unknown but historians say it has been in existence for over 200 years. It is believed that this gigantic tree is often associated with myths. It is also believed that the Cotton tree is responsible for good and bad fortune. It is the home for bats and vultures. It was recently given a facelift by the City Council in partnership with one of the mobile phone service providers recently.
The ‘Old’ Fourah Bah College (FBC) 
Located in the East of Freetown, it is very close to the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay lies the ruins of FBC. It was known as the “Athens West Africa”, the ‘Mecca’ for education in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 1827, FBC provided education to many Africans who furthered their studies here.
Beaches
It is on record that Sierra Leone has one of the best sandy beaches in the world only compared to those in the Caribbean. From Aberdeen to Lumley, Kent, No. 2 river, Lakka to Bureh and Mama Beach, these beaches overstretched over 100 kilometers and they are the best
Bunce Island
Located outside Freetown, it was established in 1670 and became the largest British slave castle in West Africa. Tens of thousands of slaves were exported against their will from Africa to work in rice plantations in North America and the West Indies through this island. It was finally closed down in 1808 by the British parliament but the chains, cells and structure were those prisoners slave captives were held are all there. The US provided funds recently for its preservation.